Newbie questions

Bought an RSV Mille about 2 weeks ago. I'm really pleased with it but I have a few questions.

Occasionally, when starting from cold, the bike turns over then stalls followed by a clunking sound (very technical description, I know). I've heard that this may caused by the starter motor relay and can be remedied using a Yamaha item. Can anyone shed any light on whether this may be the problem and what's the best fix or is it somethng more serious?

The clocks have reset themselves a couple of times, losing the time and trip meter info and reverting to kmh settings. It was reading kmh when I bought it and I put it down to the dealer removing the battery for charging off the bike. Any thoughts?

Performance wise, I'm happy with it. I'd say it's somewhere between my mate's tweaked Suzuki GSXR750(K1) and his Dad's Kawasaki ZX6-RR(B1H) but I'd like to upgrade it a little.

1. It appears most people change the gearing and say it's massively overgeared as standard. What's the most recommended combo and is that with a standard length chain?
2. The airbox modification looks very expensive for what it is. Can this be replicated with a modified standard airbox and are there any details on the 'net?
3. I've just bought a used Leo Vince race can on eBay and intend to fit it and a K&N, once I get a Power Commander. I've read that a lot of people just snip a wire going into the ECU instead of the Power Commander. Is this 2nd map something that Aprilia installed with this intention or is it auto-electrical butchery that just happens to work?
5. Any other worthwhile modifications?

Any advice appreciated,
Cheers
Craig

Thanks, much appreciated.

The wire has been snipped. I take it that the map now in use is compatible with my aftermarket can.

LEGS said:

I'm surprised by your comment that you feel the Mille has less performance than a GSXR 750 which although has a touch more top end power is much less powerful in the working rev range for both power and torque

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Last bike was a ZX6-R so yes, I'm still getting used to it but have found the RSV to be very easy to get on with despite it being fairly tall and me being a shortarse. I've also had a Ducati Supersport (couldn't get on with that) so it's not my first Italian Vee-Twin but the RSV has got me converted.

The GSXR has close on 130bhp at the wheel but it's only at silly speeds (my own private airfield of course) that you'll notice a difference. We tend to swap bikes between us so I've ridden the GSXR to compare and if you redline it in every gear it does pull away from the RSV. I get the feeling the overgearing is intentional to pass drive-by noise regs. I'm expecting there to be nothing in it with shorter gearing.

BTW, one of my mate's had a modified 916 with full Ohlin's kit, which he loved but preferred the RSV after 5 minutes of riding it. Believe me, I'm more than happy and have no intention of parting with it anytime soon.

rsvnelly, we usually have a ride out to the meet on wednesday's at the wildfowl park then along the coast road towards Minchella's.